Director of Development

Director of Development

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Development serves as a key leadership team member and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting Texans Care for Children. In partnership with the CEO and VP of Finance and Operations, this position is responsible for leading the strategy, management, and execution of the organization’s annual fundraising efforts. The Director of Development will work directly with the CEO, VP of Finance and Operations, and the Board of Trustees on setting strong revenue goals and ensuring Texans Care for Children achieves them.

This position holds primary responsibility for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies for major gifts, annual giving, corporate giving, and sponsorships, and using data to shape and execute effective development plans. A priority of this role is expanding the organization's base of financial support by identifying, cultivating, engaging, and retaining new and existing individual donors, business partners, and sponsors. The Director of Development will build a strong culture of donor stewardship, ensuring supporters feel connected to the organization's mission, understand the impact of their contributions, and are inspired to maintain and deepen their support over time. The successful candidate will have proven management experience and strong communication and writing skills.

Texans Care for Children is a statewide, non-profit, non-partisan, multi-issue children’s advocacy organization based in Austin. We develop policy solutions, produce research and engage Texas community leaders to educate policymakers, the media and the public about what works to improve the well-being of Texas children and families. Texans Care for Children is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek to build an organization that reflects the diversity of the population we serve.

The position is full-time and based in Austin, TX in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities:

• Actively work with the CEO and other members of the leadership team, the Board of Trustees, and the development team to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy that includes annual giving, planned giving, in-kind gifts, major gifts, philanthropic grants, and events, including our annual awards luncheon.
• Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and secure new individual donors, corporate and business partners, and event sponsors to expand and diversify the organization's donor base.
• Build and manage a sustainable donor pipeline and stewardship processes, with strategies to engage prospective donors, convert first-time contributors into ongoing supporters, and increase the retention and giving levels of existing donors.
• Ensure donors and sponsors receive timely acknowledgment, recognition, regular communication, and meaningful updates about the impact of their support.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with corporate and business partners, including identifying sponsorship opportunities, cultivating new business relationships, securing sponsorship commitments, and building long-term partnerships that support the organization's mission.
• Develop revenue projections and manage the development department’s budget and expenses in collaboration with the CEO and VP of Finance and Operations.
• Design and implement donor communications campaigns including in-person meetings, donor newsletters, direct mail, e-mail campaigns, social media campaigns, and annual report, in coordination with the Communications Director and other members of the leadership team. Ensure communications reinforce donor relationships, demonstrate organizational impact, and provide meaningful opportunities for continued engagement.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and secure major and corporate gifts, while focusing primarily on strategy and relationship development.
• Oversee effective use of our CRM for donor outreach, management and retention, including designing and overseeing a formal donor pipeline and moves management system, specifically focusing on upgrading mid-level donors and annual supporters into major gift portfolios. Use donor data and giving trends to identify opportunities for new donor acquisition, improve retention, track engagement, and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising and stewardship strategies.
• Work closely with the CEO and leadership team to understand the organization’s policy goals, strategies, and impact to be able to effectively communicate the organization’s mission and goals to donor audiences.
• Effectively manage and mentor the development team and consultants as needed. Establish clear goals, priorities, and accountability for donor acquisition, fundraising growth, donor retention, and stewardship activities.
• In collaboration with the CEO, regularly present at Board meetings on fundraising initiatives and progress towards achieving revenue goals. Report on key development metrics, including new donor acquisition, donor retention, revenue growth, major gift activity, and corporate and sponsorship partnerships.

• 10-plus years of professional experience in a nonprofit organization; demonstrated success in a development function (managing and forging relationships with multiple donor sources).
• Demonstrated success in identifying, engaging, cultivating, and securing new donors, including individual donors, businesses, and corporate sponsors.
• Experience developing and implementing donor stewardship and retention strategies that cultivate and strengthen existing relationships, increase donor loyalty, and encourage ongoing and increased financial support.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.
• Experience developing corporate partnerships, securing sponsorships, and creating opportunities for businesses and other partners to support an organization's mission.
• Experience using donor databases and CRM systems to manage donor relationships, track engagement, monitor fundraising performance, and inform development strategies.
• Flexible and adaptable style.
• Ability to work both independently but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside Texans Care for Children.
• Passion for Texans Care for Children’s mission.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.

The starting salary is $120,000 but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Texans Care for Children offers excellent benefits to full-time employees, including:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees and children
• Flexible schedule in a hybrid environment
• Employer retirement matching contributions (up to 3%)
• Stipend programs for home phone and internet, student loan repayment, and/or self-care
• Competitive PTO Policies including office-wide holidays (22 days per year), flexible holidays (5 days per year), vacation (18 days per year), and sick leave (12 days per year)